Later that day, Enso made his way to the Konoha Inventory to purchase a sheath suitable for his swords. He explained his requirements to the shopkeeper in detail, emphasising the need for the toughest leather available to support the immense weight of his blades.
Intrigued and eager to help, the shopkeeper nodded before disappearing into the back room. A few moments later, he returned with several cleaver-style sheaths—thick, broad, and seemingly durable enough to hold a small animal, let alone a pair of heavy swords. Alongside them, he laid out a selection of leather samples for Enso to inspect.
Enso ran his fingers over each piece, stretching the material and studying its texture and flexibility. Eventually, one caught his eye. It was made from Crazy Bison leather—a rare and exceptionally tough hide, renowned for its resilience and ability to endure even the harshest conditions. It was exactly what he needed. While the sheath's core structure was solid, Enso noted a few areas that could be improved to better suit his grip and drawing style.
Satisfied with the material, he thanked the shopkeeper and brought the sheath to a nearby clothing store known for expert tailoring and leatherwork. There, he requested a series of modifications: reinforcing the seams, adjusting the dimensions for a tighter, more secure fit, and repositioning the straps for a smoother, more natural draw. The most important feature, however, was to ensure the sheath could hold both of his blades in a single, unified design.
The following morning, the members of Team 1 assembled in front of the Hokage's office.
The mission they were given was closely tied to the larger and bloodier conflict of the ongoing Third Shinobi World War. Although a fragile armistice had been established between Iwagakure and Konoha, tensions remained high elsewhere.
The fighting between Kumogakure and Iwagakure still burned fiercely, drawing in both resources and lives. Konoha had managed to stay neutral in this part of the war, but neutrality didn't mean doing nothing. Now, they were preparing to make a strategic move, one that could influence the outcome of the war and possibly bring it to an end.
Minato, the Hokage, delivered the briefing with calm authority. Team 1's mission was to intercept and dismantle the weapon supply line headed for the Hidden Cloud Village. Their orders were clear: eliminate the arms dealers and ensure the weapons never reached Kumogakure.
They could either destroy the weapons on-site or recover them and bring them back to sell to Konoha. Either option was acceptable, so long as the weapons were kept out of enemy hands.
Little was known about the main dealer, except for one alarming detail—he had assembled a group of children with Kekkei Genkai abilities and trained them to serve as his bodyguards and enforcers.
Officially, the mission was classified as semi-A-Rank. However, the Hokage added an optional clause. If the team managed to rescue the Kekkei Genkai children and return them safely to Konoha, the mission would be upgraded to a full A-Rank.
While the rest of the team took in the briefing with professional focus, Enso couldn't shake a creeping unease. There was only one man who fit the vague description of the arms dealer: a surviving member of the Chinoike clan.
That clan was nearly wiped out, and for good reason. The individual in question wielded the Ketsuryugan, a dōjutsu known for its terrifying mastery of illusion and blood manipulation. Facing him would be like dancing on a razor's edge.
Enso quietly assessed the situation. Itachi, while immensely talented and promising, had only awakened the two-tomoe Sharingan. He wasn't yet at the level where he could safely resist high-level illusions, especially those cast by something as potent as the Ketsuryugan. A single mistake could be fatal.
With no time to waste, the team grabbed a quick breakfast. Hayama generously offered to fund the meal and any last-minute supplies using part of a bounty he had earned during a previous mission with Enso. They stopped at a dumpling shop, filling up on hearty food to fuel them for the long road ahead.
As they ate, Hayama—calm and composed—reiterated their primary objective: cut off the weapon supply line. While rescuing the children was a noble goal, they couldn't let emotion override their mission. A single misstep could arm the enemy and drag the war on even longer.
Itachi stayed silent, listening carefully. He was always analytical, choosing to act based on real information gathered in the field rather than assumptions or guesses.
Then, unexpectedly, Tokuma raised a practical concern. Entering the Land of Lightning while wearing their standard Konoha forehead protectors might trigger suspicion. With the current political climate so unstable, being recognised as Shinobi from the Hidden Leaf could compromise their mission before it even began.
Hayama considered the suggestion and nodded in agreement. The team made a quick stop at a nearby shop to pick up disguises. Their new appearance was humorous and tactical—black tuxedos, long dark cloaks, and four masks, each depicting a different emotion. The ensemble was strange enough to pass as a quirky performance troupe, yet obscure enough to hide their true identities.
To complete the act, they adopted a new alias: the "Emotional Magicians."
After leaving the Konoha border, they began performing simple magic shows using synchronised sleight-of-hand and chakra-infused illusions in town squares and crowded marketplaces.
The plan was effective—wherever they went, they drew attention as entertainers, not as Shinobi. This gave them the freedom to move freely, gather local information, and observe their surroundings without raising suspicion.
The team's decision to begin performing right after stepping out of the village held greater significance for their cover. After all, they couldn't simply appear out of nowhere near the Hidden Cloud border without any kind of background.
Though it required a lot of effort, it also provided a much safer and more believable front for their mission. By establishing themselves as a travelling performance troupe, they created a trail of legitimacy that would make their movements appear natural, rather than suspicious.
In each new village, the routine continued. What started as a disguise gradually became more than just a cover—it turned into a way to build trust, dispel doubts, and move undetected through even the most closely monitored areas.
Enso decided to take their performance strategy further by hiring a group of local merchants to spread the word about their magic shows. He created eye-catching posters featuring their emotion-themed masks and listed their upcoming destinations, ensuring their performances would attract attention wherever they went. This proved invaluable, helping them secure funding for their travels and gather crucial information as they moved through different regions.
Itachi praised Tokuma for his quick thinking, which made Tokuma, usually reserved, blush with pride. It was the first time since joining Team 1 that he had been acknowledged by his peers.
The team was able to gather valuable intelligence with each stop, as the crowds they attracted provided useful local insights. The performances were no longer just a cover; they became a means to move freely and observe their surroundings without suspicion.
As the team continued their journey, they introduced new tricks at each village, keeping their act fresh and engaging. The "Emotional Magicians" soon became a recognised phenomenon, and their fame grew quickly. They had to start renting halls for their performances due to the overwhelming size of their audiences, as small town squares could no longer accommodate the crowds.
The team also moved strategically, carefully selecting their performance venues after analysing the information they had gathered so far. They chose locations that would maximise their exposure without the risk of attracting unwanted attention. Each stop was planned with precision, considering factors like local sentiment, the level of surveillance, and the potential for gathering useful intelligence.
Itachi's sleight-of-hand skills became a key part of their success. His precise, fluid movements captivated audiences, and his natural talent for deception added finesse to their act. His contributions were praised by both his teammates and the audience.
After a week of travelling and performing, the team reached their destination. By now, they had become so famous that they were invited to perform at the grand opening of the largest underground coliseum in the region. The invitation came with an enormous payout—200,000 Ryo, far beyond their expectations.
Unable to refuse such a lucrative offer, especially as street performers with little to their name, the team accepted the invitation. However, the moment they were invited, a group of men dressed in black surrounded them, making it clear that refusing wasn't an option. They were being pulled into something bigger than they had anticipated, and the risk was now unavoidable.
Hayama, ever composed, led his team toward the coliseum without hesitation. The pay was too good to ignore, and performing at such a prestigious venue could open new doors for them.
The team was led backstage, where preparations for that evening's performance were already underway. The air was thick with anticipation and the scent of greasepaint, wine, and nerves. It wasn't just another show—it was a high-stakes infiltration.
Enso suggested they disguise themselves as waiters using Shadow Clones. Their goal is to get close to the V.I.P. guests without drawing suspicion. It was a clever plan—one that would allow them to gather intel from within the lion's den.
Hayama, however, didn't immediately agree. His brows furrowed with hesitation. "If we go through with this," he muttered, "we'll have to deal with the real waiters. Four of them. Innocents." He didn't need to say more. The implication was clear: eliminating the staff to preserve their cover would mean taking lives—something he was unwilling to do lightly.
Itachi, ever calm and composed, offered an alternative. "Leave them to me," he said quietly. "I'll put them under Genjutsu and send them home. Their memories can be altered. They won't remember a thing."
With the issue of collateral damage resolved, Enso wasted no time. His body flickered and shimmered before vanishing entirely—an advanced invisibility technique unique to him. Silently, he slipped out and made his way to the kitchen.
Inside, the kitchen bustled with activity, filled with clattering pans and shouting cooks. Enso moved like a whisper between shadows, knocking out each of the four waiters without raising a single alarm. Swift, clean, and efficient.
One by one, he sealed them into a scroll using Uzumaki Clan sealing techniques. With the job done, Enso returned to the backstage area just as silently as he had left. No one saw him enter.
Once inside, he handed the scroll over and nodded to Tokuma. "Use your Byakugan," he said. "Keep an eye on the surroundings."
Tokuma activated his Byakugan without question, his pale eyes glowing faintly as his vision extended through walls and corridors, scanning for potential threats or witnesses.
Enso unsealed the scroll. Four unconscious waiters appeared in neat succession. Without delay, Itachi stepped forward. His fingers formed precise seals, and a faint red glow shimmered around his eyes. One by one, he placed the waiters under Genjutsu, carefully manipulating their memories. When he was done, their minds were rewired, as if tonight had passed by without incident.
"Ask them about their tasks," Enso said, stepping forward. "We need to know what they're responsible for."
They woke briefly, questioned just enough to learn the specifics of their roles—who served where, what to say, and what not to do. Once they had the information, Itachi resealed their memories and Enso returned them to the scroll.
The four Shinobi then performed the Shadow Clone Technique, each of them producing a clone. The clones transformed into the exact likeness of the waiters they had just interrogated. Without delay, they slipped into the kitchen to take their places.
The disguised clones were assigned to different V.I.P. rooms. Enso and Hayama were tasked with serving in En Oyashiro's private box. They had been informed that two high-profile guests would be present and that they were to serve with the utmost care and caution.
Itachi, ever composed, was assigned to Kusabi, while Tokuma was placed in Makibi's room. Their orders were clear: serve wine and refreshments, and under no circumstances were they to speak unless spoken to. The V.I.P.s were known for their volatile temperaments.
The stage lights dimmed, and a hush fell over the audience. The opening act began as the "Emotional Magician" took the stage, dazzling the crowd with a combination of Genjutsu, sleight-of-hand, and chakra-enhanced illusions. Laughter and gasps echoed across the room as the magician's act unfolded like a well-rehearsed dance.
The team's performance was well received—so much so that the Himeyuri Corporation sponsored them on the spot with a generous donation of 50,000 Ryo. After their act concluded, they were formally invited to join the audience as honoured guests—an accolade rarely offered.
With practised humility, they bowed deeply to the crowd, acknowledging the honour while also demonstrating respect. They were given front-row seats, and not a single complaint was heard. Their performance had earned them their place.
Inside the En Oyashiro VIP Box,
A chill ran down Enso's spine. The Snake Sannin was here. Real. In the flesh. And engaged in casual conversation with Oyashiro.
Their topic? The contestants and the business.
Enso's blood ran cold as he listened. Orochimaru spoke of buying several children from Oyashiro for experimentation, and Oyashiro showed no hesitation—only interest.
Worse still, neither seemed to care that the waiters could hear them. This was an underground establishment. Everyone working in the V.I.P. area had been thoroughly vetted. Most had families held hostage to ensure silence and obedience.
Enso could feel Hayama tense up beside him.
The main event began shortly after. The audience roared with excitement as blood was spilt on the stage. Fighters clashed with brutal intensity. All the while, the disguised waiters moved seamlessly among the guests, performing their duties flawlessly thanks to the knowledge they had extracted from the real staff.
Enso and Hayama exchanged glances. There was no longer any doubt—En Oyashiro was their target. They had overheard too much to pretend otherwise. His dealings with Orochimaru, his casual trafficking of children, and his heartless demeanour marked him as a clear and dangerous threat. The arms dealer even spoke casually about an upcoming trade with Kumogakure, showing no concern for who might be listening.
He even attempted to enlist Orochimaru's help for a business deal set for the following day. But the Sannin declined with a cold, amused smile. "You can't afford me," Orochimaru said, brushing off the offer without a second thought.
When the final match concluded, the Coliseum began to empty. The team, still in disguise, assisted in the kitchen one last time to avoid raising suspicion.
Backstage, they were approached by a Coliseum official. The Emotional Magician had been offered a contract—four performances a week. Declining wasn't an option. Not here.
They were handed another 100,000 Ryo upon signing and invited once more to greet the V.I.P.S. The tips alone totalled over 10,000 Ryo, generously offered by guests.
Tokuma let out a half-serious laugh as they exited. "Are we sure we still want to be Shinobi?"
Enso, ever cautious, nodded to himself. Their mission wasn't over. "People will be watching us now."
He released the four real waiters from the scroll and sent them home with modified memories intact. Then, using the Multi Shadow Clone Technique, he created new clones, transformed them into the waiters' likenesses, and dispatched them to a nearby hotel to maintain appearances.
Once the night wrapped up, they made their quiet exit.
*Writing is hard, and editing is even harder. If you've made it this far into the story, thank you. Please consider leaving a review and rating—it helps more than you know. Your support not only motivates me to keep going, but also helps this story reach new readers. I truly appreciate it.